Officer Recently Promoted to Sergeant Identified as Crash Victim

MODESTO - Authorities have identified the member of the Modesto Police family who was killed in an off-duty collision.

Sergeant Michael Pershall, who was recently promoted on August 8th, was riding his bicycle on Merle Avenue when he was struck from behind by a suspected drunk driver shortly after 6:00pm Tuesday. Officers with the California Highway Patrol responded to investigate the crash and arrested 32 year old Matthew Gibbs.

Pershall joined the Modesto Police Department in 2012. Prior to that, he was a deputy with the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office for four years.

He served as a canine handler, field training officer, police explorer advisor and was also a negotiator for the critical incident team. Sergeant Pershall was described as a positive role model for new and young members of the department who led by example. He was also involved in several community outreach programs such as giving canine presentations during "National Night Out."

"Mike's loss creates a tremendous void within our organization and within the hearts of those he touched," Modesto Police Chief Galen Carroll said in a press release. "We are forever grateful for the moments we shared with him."

The suspected impaired driver is being charged with homicide and several DUI related charges.